Internet Use Spreading Throughout Iraq

The AP reports:

A few years ago, Ammar Adnan knew almost nothing about what was going on in the world of karate. But now Adnan, who heads Iraq's karate federation, is in contact with groups across the world, closely following events and championships wherever they occur.

It's all because of the Internet cafes -- scarce during Saddam Hussein's rule -- now spreading throughout Iraq.

Before Saddam's fall in spring 2003, many Iraqis had heard about the Internet, but very few had used it. Internet cafes were not common, security restrictions were tight and having a home connection was very costly.

Now that many are enjoying a higher income than under Saddam, thousands of Iraqis regularly pack shops throughout the country to check their e-mail, chat and surf -- despite fears that any public place can be attacked.

The internet makes some people happy.